What are Herbal Laxatives?

For centuries, many health traditions, including ancient Chinese wellness practices, have turned to herbal laxatives to promote and maintain regular and comfortable bowel movements. These plants aid the body in gentle and consistent elimination while optimizing overall digestive health. Additionally, herbal laxatives assist with cleansing, and have a place in many popular natural detoxification regimens.**

Many conventional over-the-counter laxatives do not include natural ingredients. For those seeking natural botanical relief for digestive issues like constipation, herbal laxatives may be preferable. Some dietary staples have a mild laxative effect, such as bananas and kiwis. Other foods, such as prunes, fennel, and various forms of fiber, are more far potent – with legendary, time-tested reputations for encouraging regular, easy bowel movements.**

For those that don't like the distinctive flavors of prunes or fennel, or those who struggle to meet the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber, herbal laxatives in supplement form are a sensible alternative. Herbal laxatives supplements also supply a diverse range of exotic botanical ingredients that may be challenging to obtain through diet alone. Among the most popular ingredients found in herbal laxatives are:**

Fiber: Dietary fiber is a crucial part of general wellness and encourages the ideal functioning of the entire digestive process, including smooth, comfortable elimination. As opposed to the soluble fiber that absorbs water and promotes a feeling of “fullness,” insoluble fiber passes through the body relatively unchanged, and is associated with a gentle herbal laxative effect.**

Prune: Commonly known as dried plums, prunes have long been used as a natural way of promoting relaxed and consistent bowel movements. Featuring a plentiful amount of plant phenols along with both soluble and insoluble fiber, prune supplements are one of the most ideal herbal laxatives for those that don't care for the signature sweet taste of the fruit itself.**

Senna Laxative: The leaves of this tropical plant have been used for centuries by various cultures to support healthy bowel function. Senna laxative, which contains natural phenols known as anthraquinones, is often paired with prune for a combined effect. Senna laxative is one of the most popular herbal supplements for regularity.**

Cascara Sagrada: Like senna laxative, cascara sagrada is a plant long utilized in wellness traditions that is abundant in digestion-supporting anthraquinones. The extract of cascara bark is particularly valued for its colon-cleansing effects.**

Fennel Seed: A member of the carrot (Apiaceae) family, fennel produces seeds that have a history of encouraging digestive wellness.**

Licorice Root: The root of the licorice plant has been used traditionally in Chinese health practices to promote optimal digestion and assist the body in detoxifying.**

Herbal Laxatives Products

Herbal laxatives are regularly offered as capsules, tablets and teas. Senna laxative leaf and licorice root are notable ingredients in many regularity-promoting teas. Herbal laxatives should always accompany a healthy diet that includes ample amounts of fiber, protein, fruits and vegetables. It is important to take fiber-based herbal laxative supplements with at least eight ounces of water.**

Herbal Laxatives Directions for Use

Talk to your physician before taking herbal laxatives or beginning any supplement regimen. Although there is no standard herbal laxatives dosage, many products feature 250 to 1,000 mg of botanical nutrients.**